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Eight associations call upon tax committees to allow small and medium businesses to deduct the total cost of security and life safety systems as a business expense​ in the year incurred.

SILVER SPRING, Md. (PRWEB)November 21, 2017

The Security Industry Association (SIA) recently led a group of eight industry associations in urging the House and Senate tax writing committees to strengthen business expensing provisions in the final version of tax overhaul legislation under consideration in Congress.

Under current IRS regulations, customers must capitalize the cost of security and life safety systems over the 39-year depreciation life for buildings. The Senate tax bill and S. 1144, the INVEST Act (sponsored by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.), would allow small- and medium-sized businesses to deduct the total cost as a business expense in the year incurred (up to certain dollar limits), removing a significant tax disincentive to making adopting new and more effective technologies.

In a letter dated Nov. 16, SIA and its partner organizations called for ensuring the final tax overhaul package allows businesses to expense the cost of building improvements in all the categories identified between the House and Senate proposals for "Section 179 expansion"—roofs; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC); fire protection and alarm systems; and security systems.

"Expanding Section 179 to include these categories will help businesses make critical building improvements, become more energy efficient and enhance the safety of their patrons and employees, by making it more affordable to modernize and maintain their facilities," the organizations wrote.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with more than 800 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA Government Summit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground®, the security industry's top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.